Seed-a-holic

[TonyF]

I was in the local bio co-op today buying me organic porridge and close to the display they had organic seeds from a specialist supplier.

Well, would have been rude not to buy SOMETHING wouldn't it as I'm trying hard to integrate and be seen as not too much of a Brit so went for the butternut squash seeds. Which I planted this afternoon!

And the T&M seed offer looks promising ..............

[JennieAtkinson]

AAHHH! Bought a lovely angel pelagonium from the plant centre (thats fine I've been looking for one for ages as it reminds me of the garden where we stay in Spain) BUT ........ went to pay for it and the lady behind the desk said "I'll just pop these free seeds into your bag for you". I actually stuttered I really don't need them, but she said I could always keep them for next year. These people JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND !!! How can I kick the habit if I'm given free seeds.

[pigletwillie]

We are of to France next week and going into a garden centre is a nightmare because lots of the varieties you cannot get over here. Things like salad mixes, mesclun, beans and squash are just calling my name already.

[Sue]

Hi
I've made a new resolve to try and do better with wintering crops - a whole new excuse to buy more seeds - got to be winter hardy you understand....had a good time researching my kales and winter lettuce etc.
Sue

[TonyF]

PW, try to find a France Rurale which is where the older French go, the people that have those really good veg plots you see by the side of the roads and FR have a fabulous range of seeds and as much choice as you could want.

I'm going to try to set up a seed swap locally - when there's only one or two people you're growing for, it seems daft to have to buy big boxes of beans etc, will last for years without passing the surplus on.

And still haven't sorted the T&M sale yet!

[Paulottie]

I'm afraid i'm just not able to come clean about my seed habit yet but shall we just say it doesn't fit in a wine case!

If you don't manage to stay strong and run to the Point Verte. here is one I like PW ....try lettuce ' Rouge Grenobloise.'... or the fine bean seeds better than here. I thought totem were good (but seed didn't store that well) trying talisman this year....sorry there I go just leading you astray. Have a great holiday.

[Cutecumber]

I've only just realised that I've got a problem.

I can't get the lid on my seed-packet tin anymore (a large Family Circle biscuit tin)

And I'm still ordering things that should have been sown in February.

Is it terminal?

[LaurenGrows]

Oh flippin heck, I'm hooked and it's only my first year.
Does it get any easier to resist? Seems not, from what I have read before.
Do I want to be *Cured*......I...DON'T...THINK...SO...
IT'S TOO MUCH FUN.
I'm going to a seed swap on Saturday...I might have to take my pink trug along to help me carry the packets back

[LaurenGrows]

Do you have to use the seeds by the *Sell-By-Date* or can some/most of them be ok for next year...

[Alison]

Loads of them are OK for next year - give them a go and if they don't come up then get some more. Somebody posted a great post about how long different types of seeds last, it could be worth searching for it - think it could have been the much missed Supersprout.

[Dobby]

50p

oh oh i'm in trubble been looking at seeds only 50p http://www.alanromans.com
we got some seeds from these this year Mrs D says we dont need any more seeds lets see what grows well this year
I siad but there 50p

[madderbat]

i'm growing seeds dated 1995 - or was it 2005? (craft!) someone (SBP?) sent me via the seedswap - Burpee Sunflowers coming up beautifully, lavendar and verbena too.

[JennieAtkinson]

Thats good Jane, by 2007 Verbena didn't come up!

[wheatleys wheels]

I think I'd like to join any seeds annoymous that may get set up because of this thread... I too can't go past a pack of seeds without wondering what I could do with it. I love the thrill of watching the stuff grow from the seeds to the seedlings and onwards. My OH always is dissaproving when I come home with more.. My latest seeds were last week... 3 packets of violas... various colours.... I couldn't resist.... Glad I'm not the only one tho.... thought I might have been mad. Now I know I'm part of a population that think alike... if it's madness then I dont want to be normal... it makes me happy.

As for use by dates on seeds..... I'm not sure why they are there.... I heard recently that some scientists have managed to germinate and grow 1,000 year old seeds of a protea and they are now going to run experiments on how the genetics have changed. They state that as long as the conditions are right... the seeds should germinate. imagine 1000 year old seeds.

[OverWyreGrower]

Sorry folks.... went to the garden centre on my own today (no Mr OWG to control me!) and ended up with a packet of outdoor cucumber seeds, 8 runner bean plants (mine didn't even germinate) and some french tarragon and pineapple sage.....

Whoops.....